December 18, (THEWILL) – Argentina defeated France in a thrilling shootout to win the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986 and help complete Lionel Messi’s trophy cabinet with the only competition he was yet to lift.
Lionel Scaloni’s team had taken the lead through goals from Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria before Kylian Mbappe’s two late goals sent the contest into extra time.
Then, Hugo Lloris was alert to deny substitute Lautaro Martinez, but Messi was on hand to make the difference for his country in extra time, tapping in to give his team a 3-2 advantage. However, Mbappe scored his third goal and France’s third from the penalty spot, forcing the game to penalty shootouts.
Argentina would ultimately prevail in a thrilling penalty shootout to win the World Cup for their first victory since 1986 and third overall; the previous one came in 1978 when Mario Kempes motivated them to victory in a home tournament.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez had a tremendous role in this victory and saved Kingsley Coman’s kick in the shootout before Tchouameni missed. All of Argentina’s goals were scored, with Gonzalo Montiel scoring the winning goal.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
